Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Brandon Dukes, 806-868-3191,bkdukes@ag.tamu.edu
MIAMI – A workshop and field day designed to help ranchers improve their plant identification skills is set for Aug. 17 at the Mesa Vista Ranch, said a Texas Cooperative Extension agent. The ranch is located 32 miles north of Pampa on U.S. Hwy. 70 in Roberts County.
“Plant Management: The Key to Better Rangeland Management” will begin at 11:30 a.m. with registration and conclude with a ranch tour that includes practical plant identification methods, said Brandon Dukes, Extension agriculture agent in Roberts County.
“Plant identification can aid you in knowing when your rangeland is healthy and when it is being invaded by unwanted plant species,” Dukes said. “It can tell you when you have an abundant food supply for cattle or wildlife and when food is in short supply.”
Lunch, provided by Mesa Vista Ranch, will be served at noon, he said.
Afternoon topics of discussion and their presenters will be:
- “Plant ID: Is it Worth the Effort?,” Dukes.
- “Know Your Plants and How to Manipulate Them,” J.F. Cadenhead, Extension range specialist.
- “Why I Like Weeds,” Keith Boone, ranch manager.
- “The Value of Plants to Wildlife,” Ken Cearley, Extension wildlife specialist.
Three continuing education units – two in the general and one in integrated pest management – will be offered for pesticide applicators, Dukes said.
Registration is free, but participants are asked to make reservations on or before Aug. 10 so meal arrangements can be made, he said. For more information or to register, call 806-868-3191.
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